Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie stand out as excellent options, each catering to different preferences and gaming styles. The Dustproof Silent Ocean, known for its unique dustproof design, offers a smooth linear experience that prioritizes a quiet typing environment, making it ideal for those who work in shared spaces or prefer a more subdued auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie excels in delivering a thocky sound profile complemented by exceptional smoothness, all while being economically priced, positioning it as a great choice for users looking for a high-quality switch without breaking the bank. Both switches cater to linear enthusiasts, but they offer distinctly different sensory experiences. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, one can discern notable differences in sound profile and tactile experience due to their unique top housing materials. The Dustproof Silent Ocean uses a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its ability to produce a sharper, crisper sound profile thanks to its stiffer composition. This characteristic allows for heightened clarity and resonance, making it particularly effective when employing RGB lighting as the translucence of polycarbonate enhances visual effects. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM top housing contributes to a distinctively warmer and more muted sound profile. POM, while still a synthetic material, does not resonate as sharply as polycarbonate, resulting in a sound that is more subdued and satisfying, appealing to users who prefer a less aggressive auditory experience.
The differences extend to the bottom housing as well, where the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean features a nylon material, and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie utilizes POM for its bottom housing. Nylon is revered for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer nature, which absorbs sound waves more effectively than harder plastics. This results in a rounder auditory profile that may appeal to those seeking a mellower typing experience. Conversely, the POM bottom housing in the Sea Salt Smoothie mirrors the top's subdued qualities, yielding a similarly deep and muted sound. When both the top and bottom housings are considered, the Sea Salt Smoothie creates a unified sound profile that emphasizes warmth, while the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Dustproof Silent Ocean allows for a sharper and more dynamic overall experience.
Overall, the vibrational characteristics imparted by the housing materials work together to define the sound and feel of each switch. The Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom synergize to create a distinctive auditory experience characterized by clarity on release and depth upon bottoming out. In juxtaposition, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie's POM top and bottom housing result in a homogeneously muted sound profile. If users seek similar outcomes in a smoother sound experience, choosing switches with both POM housings, like the Sea Salt Smoothie, may yield consistent performance across the board. Each switch's characteristics ultimately reflect the unique attributes of their respective materials, shaping the tactile and auditory experience for each keyboard enthusiast.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Dustproof Silent Ocean has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams. This means that the Dustproof Silent Ocean is the lighter option, making it potentially more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, since the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is not specified, a direct comparison on that aspect is not possible. The Dustproof Silent Ocean’s bottom out force is 65 grams, indicating a substantial push feel once the key is fully pressed down, catering to those who enjoy a firmer typing experience. In summary, users seeking a lighter touch may prefer the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean, while those who appreciate a heavier switch may lean toward the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, despite the unknown bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Dustproof Silent Ocean features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, making it the shorter option. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie has a longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. For those seeking responsiveness, the Outemu switch may be more appealing due to its shorter travel distance, allowing for faster actuation which is often favored by gamers. However, some users may find the more extended travel of the Gateron switch preferable, as it offers a greater depth that can enhance tactile feedback and comfort during use. Overall, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference regarding the balance of speed and tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
The Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
The Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch is known for its subdued sound characteristics; being designed for quiet operation, it offers a near-silent typing experience that minimizes keypress noise, making it ideal for shared or quiet environments. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch produces a thocky sound profile that is more pronounced. This sound delivers a satisfying auditory feedback that many typists and gamers appreciate, balancing noise with a pleasant acoustic sensation. While both switches serve different sound preferences, users can expect a quieter experience with the Ocean switch compared to the more impactful sound of the Smoothie switch.
When it comes to feel, the Dustproof Silent Ocean switch is crafted to provide a smooth typing experience with minimal resistance, ensuring that every keystroke feels effortless and responsive. It aims to make typing comfortable without any tactile bump or jarring sensation, which is particularly appealing for those who prioritize quietness and softness. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch is characterized by its medium-weight design and exceptional smoothness derived from its POM construction. This gives it a distinct tactile experience that balances light resistance with a satisfying feedback, making it enjoyable for prolonged typing sessions and gaming alike.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean focuses on creating a hushed and seamless typing experience, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie stands out for its enjoyable thocky sound and smooth feel. If you prioritize quietness, the Dustproof option caters to that need, whereas if you appreciate a pronounced acoustic feedback combined with a smooth feel, the Smoothie switch is an excellent choice. Each switch offers a unique set of strengths that can cater to different user preferences, ensuring that both types of switches might satisfy varying needs in the mechanical keyboard enthusiast community.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience and sound profile. If you favor a more substantial feel with a bottom-out force of 65 grams, the Dustproof Silent Ocean is an ideal choice, especially for those who prefer a medium-heavy switch for more tactile feedback while typing. Its design aims to minimize dust accumulation, making it a great option for those who want a durable and quieter keyboard, perfect for office settings or shared spaces. On the other hand, if you are enthusiastic about a switch known for its exceptional smoothness and thocky sound profile, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie might be more suited to your taste. Lean towards this switch if you appreciate a lighter touch and prioritize auditory feedback, as it aims to provide a satisfying keystroke without the distraction of loud clicks. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal typing style, whether you prefer the weightier feedback of the Dustproof Silent Ocean or the silky-smooth experience offered by the Sea Salt Smoothie.
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